Could Cannabis Lead to Lower Weight Gain?

Cannabis consumers have been stuck with a negative stoner stereotype for quite some time. When people think of someone who smokes weed, the lazy slacker stoner comes to mind. People assume if cannabis gives you the munchies and all you do is eat, it’s a given that you’re going to gain weight. It’s understandable how people can think this way but it’s not entirely true. Contrary to popular belief and decades of reefer madness cannabis consumers are not overweight because of the munchies and their love of cannabis.

The Study Recently Released

The International Journal Of Epidemiology published a paper regarding weight gain and cannabis. The paper published said that participants all experienced a weight increase over a three-year time frame. However, cannabis consumers experienced significantly less weight gain than those who did not partake. Factors such as height, weight, and body mass index were the basis for the research. After reviewing 33,000 participants, there was a 2 lb. difference. Surprising to many, the cannabis consumer didn’t have the 2 lbs extra pounds.

So How Does Cannabis Play Into the Equation?

While 2 lb may not seem like much to talk about it has a significance when those 2lb are found in over 30,000 people. So just what is it about cannabis that helps people stay slim? Nobody really has an answer yet. It could have something to do with the increased metabolism causing the munchies. It might have something to do with cannabinoid interactions with the endocannabinoid system and cannabinoid receptors located throughout the body. Maybe it’s all in terpene interaction and the way terpenes influence cannabinoid receptors.

The Research is Clear

Hopefully, the draconian federal prohibition of cannabis will come to an end. This would open up endless doors to allow research to be funneled towards the right places. When they say cannabis needs more research, they obviously haven’t read reports on the NCBI that express cannabis legalization being held back because research doesn’t make it in front of lawmakers, healthcare officials, and other important decision-makers.

Ashley Priest is a mother, a wife, a writer and a medical cannabis patient. She has a passion for sharing education surrounding cannabis with the world to help remove the negative stigmas that still surround cannabis in many places today.